Chapter 78: Demonic Activity on Shadowtooth Mountains

There was a comfortable silence between them for a moment, the unspoken intimacy filling the air. Then, a playful smirk spread across Wang Xiangyi's face.

"Guess what?" she announced, prodding him playfully in the chest.

Wang Li raised an eyebrow, feigning innocence. "What's that, Xiangyi?"

"Because of our little... cultivation session last night," she began, a hint of amusement in her voice, "I can totally feel it. My cultivation level has jumped! I'm almost at the peak of the early Nascent Soul Realm!"

A surprised whistle escaped Wang Li's lips. "Wow, that good, huh?"

"Yep!" Wang Xiangyi confirmed, her voice filled with excitement. "Just one more night, maybe two, and I'll be pushing into the middle stage for sure!"

Wang Li smiled, a knowing glint in his eyes. "That's probably because of two things, Xiangyi."

"Two things?" she echoed, curious.

A knowing smile spread across Wang Li's face. "It could be two things," he said, tracing a finger along the curve of her hip. "First, my own cultivation has reached the middle stage of the Nascent Soul Realm as well. You know how our Yin Yang Cultivation Ability works."

Wang Xiangyi's eyes widened in realization. Their unique cultivation technique utilized the opposing energies within each other, Yin and Yang, to accelerate their individual progress. If Wang Li's cultivation had advanced, it would certainly have had a positive impact on hers.

"And second," Wang Li continued, his voice husky with sleep, "it's been a while since we... indulged, wouldn't you say?"

Wang Xiangyi blushed, a playful giggle escaping her lips. "Two weeks, to be precise," she teased, remembering the frustrating isolation at the secluded estate. The lack of Li's touch had been a definite challenge.

"Exactly!" Wang Li chuckled, his eyes twinkling. "All that pent-up Yin energy in your body probably got a good stimulated last night which caused your cultivation base to advance quickly."

Wang Xiangyi leaned up, her eyes sparkling with mischief. She snaked an arm around his neck and planted a soft kiss on his bare chest. "Thank you, Li," she murmured, her voice laced with gratitude and something more.

Wang Li felt a shiver run down his spine. He returned the kiss, his hand finding its way to the curve of her hip.

Then, he playfully slapped her curvy buttocks.

" Enough with the fun," he said, his voice husky. "It's time for a bath."

A pout formed on Wang Xiangyi's lips, but her eyes sparkled with mischief. "Do we really have to?" she whined, her voice playful.

"Absolutely," Wang Li confirmed. "Besides, wouldn't you want me squeaky clean before we... continue our cultivation session later?"

"So, no flashy displays," Wang Li added, "especially not your signature metal attribute sword techniques. Everyone will be masked wearing loose robes to conceal our identities. Only the symbol of the Xia Family will be visible. "

"That makes sense," Wang Xiangyi agreed, her voice firm. "Safety first, even if it means holding back a bit."

"Exactly," Wang Li confirmed. "The Xia Family isn't going to blatantly announce that they're harboring fugitives like us. Even though Madam Xia can be trusted to keep our identities a secret, information has a way of leaking out. We just need to be extra cautious."

Wang Xiangyi nodded resolutely. "I understand, Li. Trust me, I won't be reckless. But," she added with a mischievous grin, "that doesn't mean I can't have some fun taking down those demon lackeys, right?"

Wang Li chuckled, the tension easing from his shoulders. "Of course not," he said. "Just be tactical about it. And most importantly, be safe."

"Always," Wang Xiangyi winked, her usual confident demeanor returning.

With a newfound purpose in their day, they wasted no time getting ready. They slipped into their usual training robes, exchanging them for dark, unassuming travel clothes.

Wang Xiangyi, however, cast a wistful glance at her prized sword, hung by the bedside.

"Don't worry," Wang Li said, sensing her hesitance. "We might not be able to use our usual fighting styles today, but that just means we get to be creative. Besides, who knows what kind of loot we might find on those demonic scumbags?"

The thought of acquiring new treasures sparked a mischievous glint in Wang Xiangyi's eyes. "Alright, alright," she conceded with a playful smile.

Wang Li and Wang Xiangyi emerged from their chambers, a sense of renewed purpose energizing their steps. The playful banter of the morning had been replaced by a focused determination.

Their destination was the council room, a spacious chamber within the central manor building known for its imposing stone walls and heavy oak table. As they approached, they could already hear the low murmur of voices emanating from within.

Pushing open the ornately carved doors, they were greeted by the sight of Matriarch Xia Bingling seated at the head of the table, a stoic expression etched on her face. Flanking her were several Xia Family Elders, their weathered faces etched with the wisdom of countless battles.

"Ah, Wang Li, Wang Xiangyi," Xia Bingling acknowledged with a subtle nod as they entered. "I see you're both ready."

"We are, Matriarch," Wang Li confirmed, stepping forward with Xiangyi close behind. "We're eager to assist in any way we can."

A flicker of appreciation crossed Xia Bingling's eyes. "Good," she said, her voice firm. "Then let me brief you on the details of today's mission."

She gestured towards a map spread out across the table, its surface dotted with markings and symbols. Her long, elegant finger traced a path across the parchment, stopping at a remote location nestled amidst a cluster of jagged peaks.

"Our target," she began, her voice low and serious, "is a hidden demonic stronghold located here, in the Shadowtooth Mountains. According to our intelligence, a group of demonic cultivators have been operating out of this base, working in conjunction with a notorious gang known as the 'Crimson Talons'."

Wang Li and Xiangyi leaned in closer, their eyes following her finger on the map. The Crimson Talons were a troublesome thorn in the Xia Family's side, a group of ruthless bandits with a reputation for aligning themselves with whoever offered the highest price.